I finally had a day (recovering from dental work), that I could lose myself in Bob Iger’s just-released book. Already a best seller, The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned From 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company has an intended audience of organizational emerging leaders. Yet tucked in between the lessons on kindness, steady perseverance, and a willingness to take risks, are strong, rich narratives that reveal quite a bit more.

After the tear-jerking prologue that chronicles his most emotionally challenging week on the job, the book takes one down a sometimes personal, nearly autobiographical road. It begins with Iger’s humble roots and doing grunt jobs as a hard-working nobody. After two chapters, I was astonished to feel as though I actually kind of knew him (a sign of superb writing).  It was easy for me finish the book in under four hours.

I left satisfied and in awe, but wanting to know more. There was sadly (for me) never a single mention of Fort Wilderness, the Polynesian Resort, or even Epcot. Iger focused more on his challenges in saving Disney animation and shaking up the once-staid culture of Disney. And most reviews of the book are rightly focused on this intended approach. But I did learn many things about Walt Disney World, either directly or by reading between the lines. Here are 10 of the most interesting.

Steve Jobs hated the Art of Animation resort

Iger, who became one of Jobs’ dearest friends, took him on a tour of the Art of Animation. Jobs criticized it ruthlessly for its lack of quality. Iger argued that it was built to provide families with an affordable option, but decided to never take Jobs to any other moderate or value resorts. Maybe the on-site Skyliner would have made the difference?

Waterway ropes were prompted by a promise

Following the 2016 incident in which a young boy was killed by an alligator on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, ropes, signs and fences went up within an incredible 24 hours. This was not a knee-jerk legal response, but rather Iger keeping a heart-wrenching promise to the father to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.

Leaders and CMs get second chances

Even with his quest for perfection, one of Iger’s deepest values is based on empathy. A theme of kindness and understanding permeates the book, and “honest mistakes” that people admit to are embraced. At this point the reader is starting to wish Iger were actually running for president.

you don’t have to wear mickey to be cool

If you spot Iger at the Magic Kingdom, he probably won’t be wearing Mickey gear. He wrote about how his predecessor, Michael Eisner, and other executives wore Mickey ties daily, yet admitted his lack of fondness for such. He’s just not a flashy fellow.

how to get ahead at WDW

CMs and leaders who get promoted aren’t the ones who are focused on the promotion. Iger takes issue with those with an eye trained on the next prize. He sees the accompanying behaviors as self-defeating. Instead, he illustrates how those who pay attention to doing their current job very well, and becoming “indispensable,” are more likely to rise within an organization. Just do your damn work.

Details make the magic

Iger learned the importance of scrutinizing fence heights, lines of sight, landscaping and even ill-fitting buildings in a park from Michael Eisner, his predecessor. He discussed how they walked for miles prior to opening Animal Kingdom to find ways to make it more perfect. Maybe that’s why new shrubbery keeps appearing at the Fort as of late?

Everything starts with Imagineers

If you thought Imagineers were the genius folks who design the rides, parades, and shows, you would be correct. However, it’s so much more. According to Iger, every costume, resort idea and lobby design originates with Imagineers. Yeah, that really does seem to be the coolest job ever.

celebrities in the midst

Iger and friends seem to be at the various Disney parks and resorts more than most of us realize. Disney heads and famous guests sometimes eat in a WDW restaurant before it opens. For example, Iger describes his 2011 breakfast at the Brown Derby, where he met with George Lucas. He made special arrangements to eat there in “privacy” before the restaurant greeted regular guests at lunch. I’ll have the Eggs Benedict, please.

Tomorrow won’t look like yesterday

Things will keep changing at Disney World Resort, and likely not in a small way. To Iger, bigger is better, and the past is gone. Forever the optimist, Iger suggests that his can-do attitude and fearlessness of taking very large risks are what have helped to bring him big wins in the company. An important example that he discusses at length is the once-unlikely and very expensive acquisition of Pixar. Well into the book, I began to really understand the changes at Epcot, the remaking of classic films, and why moving forward with innovations that sometimes fail is better than dying from your “fear of the new.” Just leave Fort Wilderness alone, and we are good.

All in all, it was a truly fascinating book, and I gained a new and profound respect for Iger. Again, there was very little discussion of the Walt Disney World resort, and I would have enjoyed a few more chapters that went in that direction. It is abundantly clear that his background and passion are film. Does he enjoy the parks at all? What are his favorite resorts, places to eat? Has he ever glamped at Fort Wilderness? Does he get bored at the Hoop Dee Doo? Oh – and who is he grooming for his successor?

The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company can be purchased wherever books are sold. (paid link – As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

(Cover Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Disney – Courtesy Disney )

Related: A Letter to Disney World Haters: I Understand, and I’m Here to Help You